Child support is an important obligation that parents retain when their marital relationships end. If two parents never marry, each is responsible for providing financial resources for their child’s care after the parents’ relationship is over. That obligation can last for years as the child grows and moves toward adulthood.
There are different circumstances that can cause child support to terminate in California. However, it is important that parents understand the unique aspects of their cases so that they have the best information to work through their individual child support questions. A family law attorney may be a good resource for a parent who has child support questions and concerns.
Common termination events for ending child support
Child support generally lasts through a child’s non-adult life. That is to say, if a child is a minor, they will likely receive child support from their parents. If no agreements supersede the rule, child support generally ends when a child turns 19 or when the child graduates from high school and turns 18 years old.
Child support can end in different ways. For example, a child may choose to engage in a legal action that effectively terminates their right to child support. They may seek emancipation from their parents, or they may get married while they are still a minor. Joining the military is another way that child support can be terminated before a child becomes an adult.
Extending child support beyond minority
Parents can agree to extend their child support obligations if they desire to do so. Many parents help their kids pay for college and higher education, and they may elect to engage in such support at their choice. Additionally, parents who have children with disabilities may be required to pay child support into their kids’ later lives if those children lack the ability to support themselves.
Child support can become complicated and many questions can come up in different child support cases. Parents should not rely on this post as legal advice. Their concerns can be addressed by family law attorneys who are familiar with their legal situations.